Wills

Can you believe that over 70% of the UK population does not have a current Will that is an accurate reflection of their financial circumstances and the personal choices at the time of their death? Making a Will creates certainty, reduces worry and gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how your money, property and possessions will be dealt with after your death.

Many people are surprised to discover that in the event of them dying intestate (that is, dying without a valid Will) their estate does not necessarily pass in its entirety to their surviving spouse/civil partner. Please see our guide to the intestacy rules here.

A Will guides those who are left behind and saves worry and heartache at a time of great emotional stress. Making a Will is usually the first step to take in structuring your affairs in order to minimise your liability for Inheritance Tax.

Our services include:

Gifts to members of your family

Issues in Wills such as; guardianship, adoption and divorce - including contact and residence issues relating to children.

In addition to our Will service, we can offer a full financial planning service.

Charitable Legacies

A gift by will to a charity is one way of returning something to society. The relief from inheritance tax that applies to them enhances such gifts. You don't have to be rich and famous to make a contribution that can make a difference. We can all do something amazing for the world just by leaving a gift in our wills to charity.

Unfortunately many gifts to charities fail to correctly identify the charity that the person making the will, known as the ‘testator’, intended to benefit. This sometimes occurs when the charity uses an informal name for everyday purposes.

If a charity is incorrectly described or if it has ceased to exist when the testator dies then an application to the court for the construction of the will may be necessary.

The Charity Commission maintains a central register of charities that contains details of most charities. The register is an invaluable tool for checking the correct name and address of a charity that a testator wishes to benefit by will, and for discovering the present whereabouts of a charity of which insufficient or out of date details have been given in a will that has been admitted to probate.

Many charities are supported by Legacy Officers who are often members of the Institute of Legacy Management (‘ILM’). ILM promotes professional standards in legacy administration and provides consultancy, training and support services to its members. ILM provides information for executors where a will contains a legacy to a registered charity. There guidance can be viewed online at legacymanagement.org.uk

See our page of testimonies from some of the charities we have worked with in the past.

Moving house?

We understand the importance of communicating with everyone involved in the process, the importance of acting quickly so there are no delays and most importantly, in providing a value for money service.

Lasting Power of Attorney

Appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs should you need assistance in the future.

Need a Will

It may well be time you got round to making one, or you perhaps just want to update your existing will.

Matrimonial

Need help? We are trained in helping you come to an agreement. It doesn't have to be messy.